My name is Antonio and I am living with a birthmark on my face. I have brown skin and my birth mark is light brown. It could actually be described as a series of abstract-shaped patches within close-proximity of each other. However you describe it, it's still a birthmark that makes me feel branded.

People made fun of me growing up, which resulted in me being self-conscious. I was often called Scar Face or Patches and it made me extremely angry. Some people stare and I can tell what they're looking at. I was in the military for six years and while no one made fun of me outright, I knew that some people thought my condition was amusing. My birthmark is one reason why I developed social anxiety.

I have gotten better, but there are phases that I go through where I'm depressed, and angry. I really want to have surgery, but being a broke college student means that I have to wait until my finances or more stable. Today I decided to search for forums for people with birthmarks and I stumbled upon this website. I'm glad that I found this and I hope to connect with a lot of people here.

I am currently attending University of Phoenix, which I kind of regret. I don't want to be associated with a College that people see as a diploma mill, so I'm transferring to a not-for-profit school. I'm also changing my major from Organizational Security Management to Marketing.

I didn't know people had any bad associations with University of Phoenix, but I haven't looked into universities in, ahem, many years now.

Missy

Many for-profit universities have come under fire lately due to politicians, and brick-and-mortar university personnel questioning the quality of education. The prerequisites for joining UoP are minor. A few students have even claimed that some employers skip resumes from Phoenix graduates. As a veteran, I want to make sure that I'm using my military benefits to their full potential. I'd rather be safe than sorry when it comes to my college degree.

Mission Statement:
An international charitable organization that networks families affected by a vascular birthmark, tumor, or syndrome to the appropriate
medical professionals for evaluation and/or treatment, provides informational resources as well as sponsors physician education, mobilizes medical missions trips, and
supports research and programs that promote acceptance for individuals with birthmarks.

DISCLAIMER
Information accessed through the VBF is presented in summary form
in order to impart general information relating to the diagnosis
and treatment of vascular birthmarks. Such information is not complete
and should not be used as a substitute for a consultation or visit
with your physician or other health care provider. Information accessed
through VBF website is not exhaustive and does not cover every aspect
of vascular birthmarks. VBF makes no warranty as to the information's
completeness, reliability or accuracy. Should you have any health
care related questions regarding this matter, please see your physician
or other health care provider promptly.

Information accessed through the VBF website is provided "AS
IS" and without warranty, express or implied. All implied warranties
of merchantability and fitness for a particular use or purpose are
hereby excluded. VBF shall not be liable under any theory or indemnity.
In no event shall VBF be liable for any damages, direct or indirect,
and all other damages, direct or indirect, special, incidental,
consequential or punitive, are hereby excluded even if VBF has been
advised of the possibility of such damages.